Apple's iOS 27 beta is packed with more than 200 new features and subtle changes, making it one of the most substantial mid-cycle updates in recent memory. After spending weeks testing every corner of the operating system, we've curated a list of the ten enhancements that stand out as the most useful, innovative, or simply delightful. From smarter journaling tools to long-awaited audio customisation, iOS 27 refines the iPhone experience in meaningful ways.

Journal Writing Prompts

The Journal app, introduced in iOS 26, receives a thoughtful upgrade with writing prompts. When you're stuck for ideas, the app uses the context of a photo or a recent activity to generate questions that spark your writing. For instance, showing a photo of yourself holding a rubber duck prompts a specific question about the duck's significance. This feature leverages on-device intelligence and is part of a broader set of Journal improvements in iOS 27, including scheduled reminders and personalised suggestions.

AirPods EQ

AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 get a built-in equaliser in iOS 27, allowing real-time adjustments to low, mid, and high frequencies. While basic compared to third-party apps, this native integration eliminates the need for extra software. The update complements Apple's ongoing commitment to enhancing AirPods through software, adding value long after purchase. Users can create custom presets or choose from pre-defined ones for different genres.

Section Links in Notes

The Notes app gains a powerful organisational tool: the ability to link to specific sections within a note. By tapping a link, you jump directly to a heading, making it ideal for lengthy documents, meeting notes, or research collections. This feature works alongside other Note improvements like inline tags and enhanced PDF markup, solidifying Notes as a robust productivity tool.

Automatically Resend Failed Messages

No more wondering if a message truly sent. iOS 27's Messages app automatically retries sending a text or iMessage if the initial attempt fails due to poor network conditions. This behind-the-scenes fix ensures your communication is delivered without manual intervention, especially useful in areas with fluctuating signal strength.

Improved FlyOver in Maps

Apple Maps' FlyOver mode receives a visual overhaul, with 3D buildings rendered in stunning detail. Previously criticised for looking like "melted butter," buildings in cities like Las Vegas and Austin now show crisp geometry, realistic textures, and accurate lighting. The update extends to more metropolitan areas and uses Apple's custom silicon to render complex scenes smoothly on older devices.

Apple Music Landscape Support

iOS 27 finally brings landscape orientation to several stock apps, including Apple Music. The Now Playing screen rotates to fill the display horizontally, perfect for desk-bound listening or car integration. This change is part of a wider push to make the iPhone more versatile when used with keyboards or mounts, also affecting Weather, Health, and Fitness apps.

Improved Clean Up in Photos

The Clean Up tool, introduced in iOS 26, gets a significant upgrade with agentic image generation. Removing objects from photos now yields more natural results, even in complex scenes. For example, a mug on a shelf can be erased, and the shelf texture regenerates convincingly. While not flawless, the improvement narrows the gap with dedicated desktop photo editors.

Photos Extend

Alongside Clean Up, iOS 27 introduces the Extend feature, which intelligently expands a photo in any direction. Using on-device AI, it fills in missing areas with plausible content, such as extending a curtain or adding sky to a landscape. The results are often impressive, opening new possibilities for creative framing without compromising image integrity.

Custom Passes in Wallet

The Wallet app now lets you create digital copies of physical passes by scanning their barcode or QR code. This means you can leave gym membership cards, loyalty cards, or event tickets at home and use your iPhone instead. The feature also supports pass replication from existing digital passes, making Wallet a central hub for all identifiers.

Safari Tab Topics

Safari makes tab management smarter with automatic Tab Topics. The browser groups related websites into thematic clusters, like "Recipes" or "Work Research," without user input. This declutters the tab view and helps you quickly locate previously opened sites. The feature works alongside existing Tab Groups and supports manual adjustments.

Beyond these ten, iOS 27 includes countless other refinements: a redesigned Control Centre, expanded live activities, enhanced privacy reports, and improved focus modes. The update is currently in beta and expected to release to the public in September. For now, these ten features highlight Apple's commitment to iterating on existing strengths while introducing new capabilities that genuinely improve daily use.

Source: 9to5Mac News